MORE than just a boxing coach Vince McNally helps youngsters in the local community keep on the straight and narrow.

Vince works as a volunteer and boxing coach at both Hinton Community Centre and South Wye Police Boxing Academy.

To recognise his work he has been awarded a MBE for services to the community in Hereford as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours list.

Othman Said was a refugee to Hereford in 2017, he was helped by Vince and introduced to the boxing gym.

Last year Othman reached the final of the England Boxing Championship final.

Hereford Times:

"When I first came to Hereford he invited me to the gym and he worked with me," said Othman.

"He helped me a lot as it was tough living here alone, whenever I need him he is there.

"He has helped me with a lot of things, my college work and also pushing me with my boxing career.

"He made me feel like family at the gym, he is such a great man and has helped me a lot.

"He spends a lot of hours in the boxing gym and does his best to show us what is best.

"I can't thank him enough, he's a legend. He spends a lot of hours in and out of the gym helping people and looks after those on drugs and tries to keep them away from bad things."

Vince is also part of the South Wye Police Boxing Academy organising and competition team which has raised thousands of pounds for local charities through their annual boxing shows.

Junior doctor Yusuf Abdallah, who was national boxing champion in 2018, has also thanked Vince for his work.

He said: "South Wye and its boxers has come on leaps and bounds since I first joined six years ago under Vince's leadership and a strong coaching team.

"Without the coaches like Vince, who I am honoured to call my coach and friend, it would not be possible to run the facility we do for our competitive and recreational members."

Vince said he felt 'very humbled' to be considered for such an accolade.

Hereford Times:

"I am very lucky to have such a supportive wife and family that enable me to be as involved with the charity at our centre," he said.

"I love being part of the voluntary work and gain so much personally from meeting so many wonderful characters, groups and organisations from Herefordshire and the surrounding areas.

"Even on the craziest of days it never seems like a chore. "There is a fabulous sense of community spirit around the centre and within the boxing club, and we are lucky to be able to help many people, including those from our area who are having tough times, and may be sadly feeling vulnerable or disadvantaged.

"The success of Hinton Community Centre & South Wye Police Boxing Academy of course is not just down to me, its very much a team effort, with Roland Wooderson and Bev Moate being amazing friends and colleagues at the centre.

"My love and thanks also go to all that have helped & supported the centre over the years, including the board of trustees, Hereford City Council, the management team & coaches at South Wye Police Boxing Academy, England Boxing, all the groups and organisations that have worked out of the centre, and of course all past and present volunteers.

"I look forward to a bright and beautiful future for the centre, and our community boxing club."